A Feb. 20, 2026 study in the Journal of Experimental Medicine identified CD8 T cell-derived TNF and TNFR2 signaling as drivers of ICI-related myocarditis in mice. Blocking TNFR2 prevented the inflammatory cycle in the heart.
Scientists at Cincinnati Children's have identified a molecular pathway responsible for immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced myocarditis and demonstrated that blocking TNF signaling can prevent this fatal complication without compromising anti-tumor efficacy.
A redesigned CD40 agonist antibody achieved complete remission in two of 12 patients with metastatic cancer in early trials, while separate research identified a method to prevent deadly heart complications from immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Nektar Therapeutics is advancing its immunology pipeline with plans to initiate Phase 3 trials for REZPEG in atopic dermatitis next quarter, following positive Phase 2b results. The company recently completed a large equity raise to support its regulatory T cell-focused programs.
Nektar Therapeutics completed a $460 million public offering on February 13, 2026, selling 7.6 million shares of common stock and pre-funded warrants. The clinical-stage biotechnology company is developing immunotherapy treatments for autoimmune diseases.
